Zero Range

Ron J

Ron J

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2014
Messages
49
Location
Eastern Washington State
Hello all,

I know it's been a long time visiting the site...... but there are all to many real life issues going on right now.....

Anyway, I've got a Lupa .338 magnum. What would you suggest my zero range?

Right now I'm shooting at a 100 yard target with an average of 1moa group. Should I extend the zero to a longer range.

A local range finally won a lawsuit for using a 1000 yrd target. I'm hoping to get proficient at that range.

Would it be easer to dope the scope from 100 yrds, or zero at 280 and dope down for the closer shots?

Thank you for any comments as I am in wonderment

WR
 
A long time ago I was in the same predicament. My .338 load shot around a 1" 3 shot groups at 100-200 but once you got out to 300 it would shoot 1/2" to 3/4" groups consistently and it shot so well at longer ranges I left it alone as that is plenty of accuracy for a hunting rifle out to 200 yards. But for a long time I stuck with a 300 yard zero and after learning the hard way going on hunts where before the hunt they only had 100 yd range to check zero and long range steel comps where there was no where to check a 300 yd zero only 100. Then when I did have to zero at 100 it didn't really hinder me but I was not familiar with my load at closer ranges which reduced my confidence in knowing that my rifle was truly zeroed. It has taught me to always have a 100 yd zero and if your rifle groups an 1" at that range then zero off your cold bore shot. As cold bore is all that really matters in a hunting scenario or in the long range steel matches I shoot occasionaly. Then if you do have the opportunity at a 300yd target you can have a zero there also. And if your able to check both of your zero ranges and they are dead on it gives you extra confidence that your cold bore at longer distances will be spot on if you do your part. Hope that all made sense. My point is just be familiar with your rifle and load at all ranges that might be encountered, even up close. And don't think just because you have a big .338 that will reach way out there that your wasting ammo by shooting it at 100 yards.
 
Hey Ron, are you referring to the Mica peak gun range? They had 1000 for quite a while then went to only 300 but now they have targets every 100 yards out to 600, then 720 and 1000.

If your only holding 1 MOA at 100 yards you will have a hard time with the silhouette target they have at 1000.

With that being said, I run a 200 yard zero. Even though I very rarely shoot the 200 yard distance. When I work up a load I will sight in about 1" high at 100 yards. From there I chrono the best one and verify my ballistics at 300 500 700 and 1000 yards.

Are you running a ballistic app? Dialing turrets or holdover with reticle?
 
CA48 said:
A long time ago I was in the same predicament. My .338 load shot around a 1" 3 shot groups at 100-200 but once you got out to 300 it would shoot 1/2" to 3/4" groups consistently and it shot so well at longer ranges I left it alone as that is plenty of accuracy for a hunting rifle out to 200 yards. But for a long time I stuck with a 300 yard zero and after learning the hard way going on hunts where before the hunt they only had 100 yd range to check zero and long range steel comps where there was no where to check a 300 yd zero only 100. Then when I did have to zero at 100 it didn't really hinder me but I was not familiar with my load at closer ranges which reduced my confidence in knowing that my rifle was truly zeroed. It has taught me to always have a 100 yd zero and if your rifle groups an 1" at that range then zero off your cold bore shot. As cold bore is all that really matters in a hunting scenario or in the long range steel matches I shoot occasionaly. Then if you do have the opportunity at a 300yd target you can have a zero there also. And if your able to check both of your zero ranges and they are dead on it gives you extra confidence that your cold bore at longer distances will be spot on if you do your part. Hope that all made sense. My point is just be familiar with your rifle and load at all ranges that might be encountered, even up close. And don't think just because you have a big .338 that will reach way out there that your wasting ammo by shooting it at 100 yards.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info CA48...... yes, it does make sense.
livetohunt said:
Hey Ron, are you referring to the Mica peak gun range? They had 1000 for quite a while then went to only 300 but now they have targets every 100 yards out to 600, then 720 and 1000.

If your only holding 1 MOA at 100 yards you will have a hard time with the silhouette target they have at 1000.

With that being said, I run a 200 yard zero. Even though I very rarely shoot the 200 yard distance. When I work up a load I will sight in about 1" high at 100 yards. From there I chrono the best one and verify my ballistics at 300 500 700 and 1000 yards.

Are you running a ballistic app? Dialing turrets or holdover with reticle?
Click to expand...

Hello livetohunt, yes I am speaking of mica peak...... very observant *grins
I'm asking the questions so I can get back out there.... Right now I'm a member of the rifle club on the river..... I've had arm and hand surgery which made my had numb.... kind of a wait and see if I can grip the rifles well enough.

I think using a 200 yd zero would be best. I do have a couple of ballistic apps. I think I will end up using all three methods though (app, dialing turrets, and hold over). I would hate to have the one I count on fail, and not be proficient at all.

I'm a builder, started cutting rafters with a square, then came the rafter book, and now the calculator..... I see all these kids using the calculator, and ask "what happens if you loose it, breaks, or too cold for batteries to work...... Guess the place has a mighty big skylight.

Thanks again to both for the advice...

Be Safe.....

Ron
 
Print your dope cards once you got it right. Then you always have your info and it's faster than digging out a phone or kestrel.
 
For hunting rifle I like 200 yard zero. But I've been zeroing lately at 100. I dial for just about everything so it really didn't matter where my zero is as long as I know it and my loads. I'll be shooting at mica range tomorrow my self as my personal range only goes out to 735 yards. Will be my first trip to that range
 
jasent said:
For hunting rifle I like 200 yard zero. But I've been zeroing lately at 100. I dial for just about everything so it really didn't matter where my zero is as long as I know it and my loads. I'll be shooting at mica range tomorrow my self as my personal range only goes out to 735 yards. Will be my first trip to that range
Click to expand...

I'd like to go out to Mica today, but I have the kids over. Make sure you go to the Rifle Range and not the pistol range.... I made that mistake once, and thought there is no way to shoot a rifle here..... Finally found the right one. All there is is a turn out beside the north side of the road..... then you walk down a steep trail so watch your footing!

I'd like to meet you and livetohunt out there some time..... Maybe learn a few tricks, or break some bad habits *grins....My other shooting buds lost the bug and rarely shoot anymore.

Anyway, have fun Jaset!

Be well,

Ron.
 
Ron J said:
I'd like to meet you and livetohunt out there some time..... Maybe learn a few tricks, or break some bad habits *grins....My other shooting buds lost the bug and rarely shoot anymore.

Anyway, have fun Jaset!

Be well,

Ron.
Click to expand...
Sounds like fun to me. I'll be going back to work soon so I will prob start shooting there more often. I live north of Spokane but work in the valley so it will be faster to shoot there then head home and try and shoot with the light left in the day
 
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